Ohishi Whiskey

Overview

Ohishi Sherry Cask represents an experimental Japanese whiskey from the Ohishi distillery, distilled entirely from rice and matured in fresh sherry casks to blend traditional sake production techniques with whisky aging influences.

Specs at a glance

Good to know

Founded in 1872 in southwest Japan, the Ohishi distillery produces a line of rice-based whiskeys including blended and single barrel expressions finished in sherry or brandy casks. This sherry cask variant draws sherry influences that overpower subtle rice notes, evoking sherry-matured Scotch but with a distinct, rice-derived mouthfeel. Expert reviews note its novelty but critique the unbalanced profile at its $74 MSRP.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Musty grapes, raisins, dried dates, and honey dominate, with sherry cask character prominent over rice subtlety.
• Palate: Sherry-driven flavors lead to a medicinal edge and thin mouthfeel, lacking the complexity expected in the category.
• Finish: Short and unbalanced, with lingering medicinal notes that detract from overall harmony.

Notable details

• Production: Distilled from rice typically used for sake and soju; non-age-statement but colored to 1.2/2.0 from sherry maturation.
• Lineage: Ohishi distillery (est. 1872); importer highlights raisins, figs, and oak spice as signature markers.
• Comparison: Recalls sherry cask Scotch but falls short against established alternatives due to flawed execution.
• Availability: Positioned as a premium import at $74 (750mL), though reviews advise seeking better sherry-aged options.

"The whiskey's rice base leads to an absence of rice flavors, overpowered by sherry influences... ultimately fails due to its medicinal taste and lack of complexity." – The Whiskey Shelf

Closing

A bold but flawed rice-whisky experiment best suited for those exploring unconventional Japanese profiles.

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Sources

[1] Thewhiskeyshelf – "Ohishi Sherry Cask Review"

[2] Whiskeyreviewer – "Ohishi Sherry Cask Japanese Whisky Review"

[3] Drinkhacker – "Ohishi Sherry Single Cask Whisky Cask #1257 Review"

[4] Whiskeyinmyweddingring – "Ohishi Sherry Cask 8 Year Old Japanese Whisky Review"

[5] Whiskeyreviewer – "Ohishi Brandy Cask Finish Japanese Whisky Review"

[6] Thewhiskeywash – "Whisky Review: Ohishi Whisky"

[7] Thewhiskeywash – "Ohishi 11 Year Old Mizunara Cask Finish Japanese Whisky Review"

[8] Thewhiskeywash – "Whisky Review Roundup: Ohishi Brandy Cask/Fukano 12 Year Old"

[9] Drinkhacker – "Review: Ohishi Tokubetsu Reserve Whisky"

[10] Thewhiskeywash – "Whisky Review: Ohishi Whisky Banyuls Cask Finish x Craft Whisky Club"